Philippines vs Vanuatu, ICC Mens T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier 2023, Today Match Prediction 25 July 2023

phi vs vanuatu Match Prediction & Analysis

The Philippines will take on Vanuatu in the 5th T20I match of the Qualifier tournament here in Port Moresby. Both teams have lost two in two games so far and are eager to taste success.  Vanuatu had won 6 consecutive matches before coming into this tournament. They got off to a poor start as they finished with 71 for 8 against PNG in their opening match.

The Philippines on the other hand, are still looking for their 2nd ever T20I win. And in the search for a win, they were just handed a disastrous loss at the hands of PNG.

Chasing a 163-run target, which is a very competitive total on this ground, the Philippines were bowled out for 45 runs. Both Amanpreet Sirah and Jean Podosky were out for a duck in the middle order.

Vanuatu scored a little more in their second game but still fell short of the target by 20 runs as Japan defended 131 runs. There are a few promising bowlers in both teams who will be the key players in this match.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Philippines Preview

The last time Philippines played Vanuatu was in 2019 during the T20 World Cup Qualifier. The only win in T20Is for Philippines came in that tournament against Vanuatu. 

At this point in time both teams are struggling with their batting and there seems to be no reliable player who could resurrect the innings in the middle. Skipper Daniel Smith was out for 9 off 17 balls against PNG while chasing 163 runs.

If that’s too bad for a T20 opening batsman, the number 3 was even worse. Jordan Alegre at number 3 was out for 1 off 9 deliveries. In his previous innings against Japan, Alegre scored 33 off 29 balls that included 2 fours and a six.

The top run-scorer for Philippines in their loss against PNG was wicket-keeper batsman Grant Russ who scored 18 off 28 balls at number 7. It is clear that the Philippines' batting lineup lacks quality T20 batters who could push the run rate higher and also build partnerships at the same time.

Smith’s opening partner Kapil Kumar hasn’t shown any promise either. While there are Amanpreet Sirah and Jean Podosky who’ve played commendable knocks in the past, they haven’t looked in good touch either.

Unless a few batters step up and rise to the occasion, Philippines are staring at yet another loss. Podosky and Sirah who were the key bowlers for Philippines looked out of rhythm in their last outings with the ball. Kepler Lukies and Liam Myott are other bowlers to watch out for in this lineup.
 

Philippines Predicted Playing XI:

Kapil Kumar, Daniel Smith (c), Jordan Alegra, Josef Doctora, Amanpreet Sirah, Miggy Podosky, Gurbhupinder Chohan, Grant Russ (wk), Liam Myott, Kepler Lukies, Huzaifa Mohammed

Vanuatu Preview

A team that dominated the sub-regional Qualifier seems to have lost their rhythm as they started their Qualifier Final campaign. Vanuatu have already lost two games in a row and their batting has given them many headaches.

For a team that came into this tournament on the back of 6 consecutive losses, finishing for 71 for 8 batting first in their first game was pretty disappointing. 

Things didn’t change much even though Vanuatu crossed the 100-run mark in their run-chase against Japan. Andrew Mansale was the only batter to score more than 20 runs in the Vanuatu innings.

Opening batsman Nalin Nipiko got off to a good start with 2 fours and a six but failed to convert it into something more significant. After scoring 7 off 16 as an opener in the first match, Junior Kaltapau was out for 7 off 13 balls against Japan at number 3.

That is a worrying sign for Vanuatu as they look to secure their first win of this tournament. While Jarryd Alan and Andrew Mansale haven’t been impressive either they will be crucial in the middle order. If the top 4 are back in the hut early Vanuatu are less likely to even cross the 120-run mark.

The bowling attack is what Vanuatu will be counting on as they face the Philippines for the 3rd time ever. Skipper Matautaava along with Nipiko and Rasu are in good form and will be key with the ball.

Vanuatu Predicted Playing XI:

Nalin Nipiko, Junior Kaltapau, Jarryd Allan (wk), Andrew Mansale, Patrick Matautaava (c), Ronald Tari, Apolinaire Stephen, Joshua Rasu, Simpson Obed, Williamsing Nalisa, Obed Yosef

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

It is a balanced pitch with help on offer for batters and bowlers but of late, the bowlers seem to have enjoyed more help from the surface. The weather will be partly cloudy with a high of 30 degrees Celsius.

Venue Details

This will be the 5th match of this tournament at Amini Park in Port Moresby. Of the 4 games played so far, teams batting first have won 3. Japan managed to defend a 131-run total which is a below-par score. Considering the current form of both teams in addition to their bowling strength, we reckon a 140-150 score will be competitive at this venue.

Toss: To Bat

It is not an easy ground to score runs and almost every team has struggled to score big. It will be easy to defend a par score on this ground, especially given the current batting form of both teams.